During this course, students will learn about the basic concepts of vowels including long and short vowels, the silent 'e', the bossy 'r', and common vowel blends. Here is a brief outline of some of the activities we will be participating in during this course:

Class #1: We will learn about short and long vowels during week 1. 

- Short vowels - we will begin with a short video clip to introduce the short vowels, their sounds, and some word examples. Together, we will review an anchor chart and add short vowel words on the chart using post-it notes. We will work on sorting picture-words into their correct vowel sound category and use clip chart cards to practice identifying the vowel sound in a word! At the end of class, we will review the vowels we learned through simple songs. 

Books List:
#5 The Thing on the Wing Can Sing: A Short Vowel Sounds Book with Consonant Digraphs By: Brian P. Cleary  Illustrated by: Jason Miskimins
The Slug and the Pug: Short Vowel Sounds with Consonant Blends By: Brian P. Cleary Illustrated by: Jason Miskimins
#1 The Bug in the Jug Wants a Hug: A Short Vowel Sounds BookBy: Brian P. Cleary  Illustrated by: Jason Miskimins
The Hen in the Den: Short Vowel Sounds By: Brian P. Cleary 
Illustrated by: Jason Miskimins
#2 Stop, Drop, and Flop in the Slop: A Short Vowel Sounds Book with Consonant Blends By: Brian P. Cleary Illustrated by: Jason Miskimins
Sound It Out: Short Vowels By: Wiley Blevins  Illustrated by: Sean O'Neill

- Long vowels - we will begin by watching a short video that introduces the sounds of long vowels and some word examples. We will work on an anchor chart as a team and develop long vowel word examples to add to the chart. We will work on sorting picture cards into their appropriate vowel family. In conclusion, we will sort long and short vowel words into their correct category so students can see the vowels used side-by-side. 

Book List:
#6 Whose Shoes Would You Choose?: A Long Vowel Sounds Book with Consonant Digraphs By: Brian P. Cleary Illustrated by: Jason Miskimins
Reach for a Peach: Long Vowel Sounds with Consonant Digraphs By: Brian P. Cleary  Illustrated by: Jason Miskimins
#3 The Nice Mice in the Rice: A Long Vowel Sounds Book By: Brian P. Cleary  Illustrated by: Jason Miskimins
The Price of a Slice: Long Vowel Sounds with Consonant Blends By: Brian P. Cleary  Illustrated by: Jason Miskimins
#4 The Frail Snail on the Trail: A Long Vowel Sounds Book with Consonant Blends By: Brian P. Cleary  Illustrated by: Jason Miskimins
Jake Makes a Cake: Long Vowel Sounds By: Brian P. Cleary Illustrated by: Jason Miskimins
Sound It Out: Long Vowels By: Wiley Blevins  Illustrated by: Sean O'Neill

Class #2: Students will learn the basics of bossy 'r' and why the 'r' is important! This course introduces 'r' into the world of vowels and allows students to see how the letter changes the way a word sounds. Students will be first introduced to bossy 'r' through a short video that provides an explanation and examples of bossy 'r's role in words. We will then review an anchor chart and examples of 'r' controlled words. Next, we will work on a dinosaur word sort, separating words into 'r' blend categories. Finally, we will work on the Dab It! worksheet, if time allows. The worksheet will also be sent home for further practice. 

Book List:
The Herd Came in Third: Diphthongs and R-Controlled Vowels By: Brian P. Cleary  Illustrated by: Jason Miskimins
#8 The Clown in the Gown Drives the Car with the Star: A Book about Diphthongs and R-Controlled Vowels By: Brian P. Cleary
Illustrated by: Jason Miskimins

Class #3: In this course students will be introduced to the sneaky, silent 'e' and how it changes words. Students will get a basic understanding of the silent 'e' and be given several examples of silent 'e' influenced words along with opportunities to build silent 'e' words. The lesson will begin with a short video that includes a basic introduction and word examples. Next, I will display an informative chart about the silent 'e' along with several word examples. Students will be asked to help add more silent 'e' words to the chart. We will work with an interactive chart to build silent 'e' words. The chart will have words without an 'e' at the end (such as can, not...) and we will add a magic 'e' to the end, changing the word (cane, note). We will then do a CVCe word work game where students will be asked to read the word without a magic 'e', then with a magic 'e'. We will add a picture card to the word once we identify the new meaning. If time allows, we will work on a Dab It! worksheet activity where students will be asked to dot, circle, or color in the word that matches the picture. They will be asked if that word is a sneaky 'e'. If this cannot be completed in class, I highly recommend you work on this activity with your child at home!

Video:
Silent E by the Bazillions

Class 4: Vowels Blends (ee, ea, ie, ey, ai, ay, ou, ow, oe ). First, students will be introduced to vowel blends using a short video. Then, we will go over an informational anchor chart that previews the vowel blends and a few words that go with each blend. Thirdly, we will do a sorting activity. Next, we will build words using vowel blend endings. We will place a letter in front of the ending and sound out the word.

Book List:
Let's Look at Blue!: The Sound of UE (Vowel Blends) By: Kara L. Laughlin
Sound It Out: Complex Vowels By: Wiley Blevins Illustrated by: Sean O'Neill
Moe's Oboe: The Sound of OE (Vowel Blends) By: Kara L. Laughlin
Three Bees: The Sound of EE (Vowel Blends) By: Jody Jensen Shaffer
Spies and Pies: The Sound of IE (Vowel Blends) By: Jody Jensen Shaffer
Let's Play!: The Sound of AY (Vowel Blends) By: Jody Jensen Shaffer
Join the Noise: The Sound of OI (Vowel Blends) By: Kara L. Laughlin
Coach Floats: The Sound of OA (Vowel Blends) By: Jody Jensen Shaffer
Get Out, Mouse!: The Sound of OU (Vowel Blends) By: Kara L. Laughlin
Let's Look at Blue!: The Sound of UE (Vowel Blends) By: Kara L. Laughlin
Fruit Juice: The Sound of UI (Vowel Blends) By: Kara L. Laughlin
Hoot, Moo, Coo: The Sound of OO (Vowel Blends) By: Kara L. Laughlin
The Trail: The Sound of AI (Vowel Blends) By: Jody Jensen Shaffer
Jean Can Teach: The Sound of EA (Vowel Blends) By: Jody Jensen Shaffer
Sound It Out: Digraphs and Blends By: Wiley Blevins Illustrated by: Sean O'Neill